Capturing Cosmic Ray Research and Researchers with Art

TL;DR

This paper presents an innovative art-based outreach project that promotes cosmic ray research by engaging diverse audiences through interactive art installations involving scientists, artists, and students.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interdisciplinary approach to science outreach by integrating art and science to attract underrepresented groups and enhance public engagement.

Findings

Created two original art installations to promote cosmic ray science.

Engaged diverse audiences including students and underrepresented groups.

Displayed the exhibit at a university gallery during a major conference.

Abstract

We describe our experiment with an alternate approach to presenting cosmic ray research. The goal was to more widely promote cosmic ray research and attract diverse audiences, especially those from groups that are underrepresented in science or that do not have experience attending science outreach events. The IceCube Neutrino Observatory education and outreach team brought together local teenagers, internationally accomplished artists, science communicators, and scientists to produce an interactive gallery exhibit, Messages, that explores the cosmic ray community and science. The artists collaborated with the scientists and students to create two original installations that will be displayed at the UW-Madison Memorial Union Gallery for six weeks, from mid-June, 2019, through the end of the International Cosmic Ray Conference 2019. Event Horizon by Abdu'Allah with Ladoni features portraits of cosmic ray researchers and high school students who are learning more about the field. This installation will examine the science community as it is and as it could be. Messages from the Horizon by Hosale with Madsen is inspired by previous immersive works. It combines sound and light to explore what we know and how we know it.